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Mitsubishi · Compact · 1995–2004

Mitsubishi Carisma DA

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

118–125 PS

1.8L GDI Benzin

Low-key long-distance runner

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

99–103 PS

1.6L NA Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

118–125 PS

1.8L GDI Benzin

3 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Body Variants

The Mitsubishi Carisma DA is available as Limousine and Schrägheck — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Limousine
3 Engines 1× Good Choice 1× Stay Away!
view Limousine →
Schrägheck
3 Engines 1× Good Choice 1× Stay Away!
view Schrägheck →

Engine Overview

The Mitsubishi Carisma DA is available with 3 engine variants — from 99 to 125 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.9L DI-D · Diesel· 102–116 PS Engine Change
2000 2004
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2000 2004
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.6L NA · Benziner· 99–103 PS
1995 2004
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
1.8L GDI · Benziner· 122–125 PS
1997 2004
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses

The Mitsubishi 1.9L DI-D (Diesel, 102–116 PS) comes with 2 different engines: F9Q (2000–2004, Be Careful) und F9Q (2000–2004, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.9L DI-D!

The Mitsubishi 1.6L NA (Benziner, 99–103 PS) has the 4G92 (1.6L NA) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Mitsubishi 1.8L GDI (Benziner, 122–125 PS) has the 4G93 (1.8L GDI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Front axle ball joints and control arms worn

The front axle ball joints develop play and clunk over bumps. More robust control arms only came in from mid-1998 onwards. On earlier build dates regular front axle checks are essential.

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, imprecise steering, uneven tyre wear
from 80,000 km
Ad ball joint Mitsubishi Carismacontrol arm Carisma DA fronttie rodnkopf Carisma
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 14 weaknesses have been documented for the Mitsubishi Carisma DA (1995–2004) — 11 engine-related and 3 vehicle-related. One problem engine: 4G93 (1.8L GDI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Body. Considered reliable: 4G92 (1.6L NA).

Carisma (F9Q, 2000–2004) — Be Careful: Turbocharger failure, Injector failure, Timing belt failure. Power: 102 PS.

Carisma (F9Q, 2000–2004) — Be Careful: Turbocharger failure, Injector failure, Timing belt failure. Power: 116 PS.

Carisma (4G93, 1997–2004) — Stay Away!: Intake tract carboned up, GDI high-pressure pump failed, Spark plugs oil-fouled and sooted up. Power: 122–125 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mitsubishi Carisma? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mitsubishi Carisma DA have? +
The Mitsubishi Carisma DA has 11 known engine weaknesses and 3 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mitsubishi Carisma DA? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 4G92 (1.6L NA). The most reliable engine is the 4G92 (1.6L NA) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 4G93 (1.8L GDI). Problem engine: 4G93 (1.8L GDI) — stay away!
Which Mitsubishi Carisma DA engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mitsubishi Carisma DA. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mitsubishi Carisma DA engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mitsubishi Carisma DA — rated: "Decent". {description} With 125 hp quite nippy. Well-sorted suspension, comfortable ride — a solid car without highlights.
Is the Mitsubishi Carisma DA worth buying used? +
The Mitsubishi Carisma DA requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mitsubishi Carisma DA? +
The Mitsubishi Carisma DA is available with engine variants from 99 to 125 hp. Petrol: 4G92 (1.6L NA), 4G93 (1.8L GDI). Diesel: F9Q (1.9L DI-D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee